Wrapped unit provided with wrapper opening means



March 8, 1966 G, G, RUMBERGER 3,239,128

WRAPPED UNIT PROVIDED WITH WRAPPER OPENING MEANS Filed Sept. 11, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet l 2 XYZ X um QUALI Y FOODS mullIi J /2 /4 7 l////// y /5 l///l f//f//f 4 7L l f|l|l||||| F Hm INVENTOR.

Gear/ae G Rumbefyef ATTO RNEY March 8, 1966 G, G, RUMBERGER 3,239,128

WRAPPED UNIT PROVIDED WITH WRAPPER OPENING MEANS Filed Sept. 1l, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 i ai 20 si: eis; i f? li 22 INVENTOR. Geo/'ye G. Kumberer ATTORNEY United States Patent O 3,239,128 WRAPPED UNIT PROVIDED WITH WRAPPER OPENING MEANS George G. Rumberger, Kaiamazoo, Mich., assigner to KVP Sutherland Paper Company, Kalamazoo, Mich.,

a corporation of Delaware Filed Sept. 11, 1963, Ser. No. 308,186 9 Claims. (Cl. 229-51) This invention relates to a wrapped unit provided with wrapper opening means. This application is a continuation-in-part of the applicants application, Serial No. 235,- 646 filed Nov. 6, 1962, now abandoned.

The. main objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a wrapped unit which may -be quickly opened without disiiguring the major portion of the wrapper or removing it from the body portion of the wrapped unit.

Second, to provide a wrapped unit provided with a seal portion which may be quickly opened along predetermined lines without disiguring or tearing other portions of the wrapper.

Third, to provide a wrapping means having these advantages which may be economically produced and one in which the opening means, which is mainly concealed, has no projecting parts which might result in the disiiguring or opening of the wrapped unit while the wrapped unit is being handled for various purposes, as is commonly done, between the wrapping and opening stages.

Objects relating to details and economies of the invention will appear from the description to follow. The invention is dened and pointed out in the claims. A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a carton unit embodying my invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary vertical section thereof on a line corresponding to line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan View of the wrapper opening device of the embodiment of my invention illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating a step in the opening of the wrapper of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary top view of the carton of the embodiment of my invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary end view of another embodiment or adaptation of my invention, particularly an adaptation to a wrapper for a loaf of bread or the like, the loaf not being illustrated.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary vertical lsection on a line corresponding to line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

In the accompanying drawings, FIGS. l-5 inclusive illustrate an embodiment or adaptation of my invention to cartons and FIGS. 6 and 7 to an article such, for example, as a wrapped loaf of bread.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, the numeral 1 represents a carton formed of paperboard or the like of such grade or thickness as to be form sustaining. It is provided with a top closure comprising inner closure members 2 and side closure members 3 which are disposed in overlapping relation as illustrated in FIG. 2.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in FIGS, l-5 inclusive, the closure members 3 are disposed in overlapping position, each being substantially of the cross sectional dimension of the carton.

It should be understood however that the shapes of cartons vary greatly and they are sometimes substantially square and that the term side and end ilaps are used as a matter of convenience in describing the coacting relation of parts.

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The wrapper 4 is formed of foldable flexible stock commonly of a type that permits printing thereon, as is indicated at 5 in FIG. 1. It should however be under- `stood that on some products it may -be desirable to use wrapping material such as polyethylene, polyvinylidene chloride, cellophane, foils and the like, the printing not being on the wrapper but being on the carton and visible through the wrapper.

I have only illustrated one end of the carton as it will be understood that so far as the wrapper as such is concerned, it is commonly the same on both ends.

The wrapper is provided with overlapping end flaps 6 and 7 extending from the side thereof and which overlie the end ilaps 8 and 9 of the wrapper. The flaps 6 and 7 are adhesively secured in overlapping relation to each other desirably by strips of adhesive 10, see FIG. 2, which extends substantially from end to end of the flaps 6 and 7, the adhesive being spaced to provide a central strip-like portion of substantial width to which these end iiaps are not adhesively secured together; see FIG. 2.

The wrapper opening member 11 is formed desirably of form-retaining paperboard stock vand is desirably dimensioned in length and width to correspond with the end dimensions of the carton and it is ttingly disposed between the closure of the wrapper and the carton closure aps 2 and 3 with the end portions thereof overlapping the .end flaps 3. It will be noted that the ends of this wrapper opening member 11 do not project from the car. ton but are in overlying relation to the end closure members of the carton and that at least one end portion of the Wrapper opening member is exposed at one end of the wrapper closure members 6 and 7; see FIG. 1.

This wrapper opening member 11 has laterally spaced parallel fracturing zones 12 which are substantially spaced from the longitudinal edges of the wrapper opening member, the fracturing zones in the embodiment illustrated being formed of a plurality of spaced angled slits. These angled slits not only -provide fracturing zones but facilitate the flexing of the wrapper -opening member as is illustrated in FIG. 4 and facilitate the tearing out of the strip-like portion 14, see FIG. 4 of the wrapper. The wrapper opening member 11 at the outer sides of the tear strip portion 141 thereof is secured by adhesive 15, conventionally illustrated in FIG. 2, to the overlying portions of the wrapper.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in FIGS. l-4 inclusive, the opening member is provided with V-shaped notches 16, the inner ends of which are disposed in alignment with the fracturing zones 12 of the opening member, these notches providing a fingerpiece 17 which may be conveniently grasped as it projects from the overlapping members but it will be noted that it does not project from the adjacent wall, so it is not accidentally actuated by the handling of a filled, sealed carton. It will be understood that they may be rather roughly handled in packaging and removing lfrom containers, shelving and the like.

It will be further understood that the structures embodying the invention are adapted to be set up, illed and wrapped on packaging machines.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the article wrapped is not illustrated. The wrapper designated generally by the numeral 18 has overlapping end closures 19, 20 and 21. These closure flaps 19 and 20 are adhesively secured together and the inner closure flaps 19 are adhesively secured to the side portion 22 of the opening member which corresponds to the member 11 of FIGS 1 4 except in the matter of dimensions and shape, being dimensioned to fit within the overlapping end members 19 and 20 of the wrapper with a portion thereof overlying the end portion 23 and has notches 24 aligned with the severing slits 25 to provide a fingerpiece 26 corresponding to the iingerpiece i7. In this embodiment it will be noted the fingerpiece does not project from the wrapped article. Portions of the opening member at 22 at the outer sides of the fracturing zones are adhesively secured to the overlapping portions of the wrapper, as is indicated in FIG. 7.

With this embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, the wrapper applied directly to an object to be wrapped, such for example as a loaf of bread, is quickly and easily opened simply by grasping the fingerpiece portion of the opening member and pulling outwardly.

As stated, in both embodiments of my invention the opening member is of form-retaining material such for example as paperboard stock from which the opening members can be conveniently and economically formed, and it is effectively secured in position by means of adhesive of types used for securing the closure flap portions. In some embodiments the sealing material is of the heat sealed type.

I have illustrated and described my invention in two adaptations thereof. I have not attempted to illustrate and describe other embodiments or adaptations as it is believed that this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to embody or adapt my invention as may be desired.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. The combination of a carton of form-retaining paperboard stock having overlapping7 closure aps on one end thereof hingedly connected its Walls, a wrapper of exible foldable sheet material supportedly wrapped around said carton with said closure flaps thereof in closed position and having overlapping adhesively connected end flaps overlying said end closure flaps of said carton, and a wrapper opening member of form-retaining paperboard stock retainingly disposed between said closure aps of said carton and said closure aps of said wrapper and dimensioned to be fittingly retained therebetween, said opening member having centrally disposed laterally spaced parallel fracturing zones extending from end to end thereof and having V-shaped notches in one end, the inner ends of the notches being substantially aligned with said fracturing zones, the portion of said opening member between said notches constituting a ngerpiece which projects from the said end aps of said wrapper for grasping but does not project outwardly from the side wall of the carton, said wrapper having an end flap portion disposed under said opening member at the end thereof having the ingerpiece.

2. The combination of a carton of form-retaining paperboard stock having overlapping closure flaps on one end thereof hingedly connected to its walls, a wrapper of flexible foldable sheet material supportedly wrapped around said carton with said closure flaps thereof in closed position and having overlapping adhesively connected end flaps overlying said end closure flaps of said carton, and a wrapper opening member of form-retaining paperboard stock retainingly disposed between said closure flaps of said carton and said closure aps of said wrapper and dimensioned to be ttingly retained therebetween, said opening member having laterally spaced parallel fracturing zone extending from end to end thereof, a portion of said opening member constituting a fmgerpiece which projects from the said end flaps of said wrapper for grasping but does not project outwardly from the side wall of the carton, the portion of said wrapper opening member at the outer sides of said fracturing zones being retainingly secured to the overlapping wrapper end flaps.

3. The combination of a carton of form-retaining stock having overlapping closure fiaps at one end hingedly connected to its walls, a wrapper of flexible .foldable sheet material supportedly wrapped around said carton with said closure flaps thereof in closed position and having overlapping connectedendflaps overlying said closure` aps of said carton, and a wrapper opening member of form-retaining stock disposed between said closure flaps of said carton and said closure flaps of said wrapper and dimensioned to be tittingly retained therebetween, said opening member having laterally spaced fracturing zones extending from end to end thereof and having notches in one end extending from said fracturing zones providing a tingerpiece which projects from said end flaps of said wrapper for grasping but does not project outwardly relative to the adjacent side wall of the carton, the portions of said wrapper opening member at the outer sides of said fracturing zones thereof being retainingly secured to the' overlapping portions of said overlapping wrapper end flaps, said wrapper having an end flap disposed under the exposed portion of said opening member.

4. The combination of a carton of form-retaining stock having overlapping closure flaps at one end hingedly connected to its walls, a wrapper of .flexible foldable sheet material supportedly wrapped around said carton with said closure flaps thereof in closed position and having overlapping connected end flaps overlying said closure flaps of said carton, and a wrapper opening member of formretainng stock disposed between said closure flaps of said carton and said closure flaps of said wrapper, saidopening member having laterally spaced fracturing zones' extending from end to end thereof, the portions of said wrapper opening member at the outer sides of said fracturing zones thereof being retainingly secured to the overlapping portions of said overlapping wrapper end flaps.

5. The combination of a carton of form-retaining stock having overlapping closure flaps at one end thereof hingedly connected to its walls, a wrapper of flexible fold able sheet stock supportedly wrapped around said carton with said closure flaps thereof in closed position, said wrapper having connected overlapping end flaps overlying said closure flaps of said carton, and a wrapper' opening member of form-retaining stock retainingly dis posed between said closure flaps of said carton and said closure flaps of said wrapper and having spaced parallel fracturing zones, said wrapper opening member having a portion at one end thereof which is not overlaid by said wrapper closure flaps, portions of said opening member underlying said wrapper closure flaps being secured thereto, a portion of said opening member between said fracturing zones being exposed for grasping.

6. The combination of a carton of form-retaining stock' having overlapping closure flaps at one end thereof hingedly connected to its walls, a wrapper of exible foldable sheet stock supportedly Wrapped around said carton with said closure flaps thereof in closed position, said wrapper having overlapping end flaps overlying said end closure flaps of said carton, a wrapper opening member of form-retaining fiberboard stock retainingly disposed between said closure flaps of said carton and said closure flaps of said wrapper and having laterally spaced parallel fracturing zones, said wrapper opening member having a portion at one end thereof which is not overlaid by said wrapper closure flaps, portions of said wrapper opening member at the outer sides of said fracturing zones being retainingly secured to the overlapping portions of said wrapper, a portion of said opening member between its said fracturing zones projecting from said wrapper end portions for grasping.

7. The combination of a form-retaining container provided with a closure, a wrapper of flexible sheet material wrapped around said container and having overlapping connected closure flaps overlying said container closure, and a wrapper opening member of form-retaining stock retainingly disposed between said closure of said carton and said closure flaps of said wrapper and having spaced fracturing zones, said wrapper opening member at the outer sides in said fracturing zones being retainingly connected to the overlapping flaps of said wrapper, an end of the` portion of said wrapper opening member between said S. The combination of a form-retaining member, a

wrapper therefor of exible material wrapped around said member and having overlapping connected closure flaps at one end of said member, a wrapper opening member of form-retaining iiberboard retainingly disposed between said form-retaining member and said closure flaps of said wrapper and having laterally spaced fracturing Zones, said wrapper opening member at the outer sides of said fracturing zones being retainingly engaged by the overlapping flaps of said wrapper, an end portion of said wrapper opening member between said fracturing Zones thereof being exposed from said closure aps for grasping, said wrapper opening member being supported throughout by the wrapped member.

9. The combination of a form-retaining member, a wrapper therefor of exible material wrapped around said member and having overlapping connected closure lia-ps, a wrapper opening member of form-retaining nonmetallic material retainingly disposed between said form-retaining member and said closure flaps of said wrapper and having laterally spaced fracturing zones, said wrapper opening member at the outer sides of said fracturing zones being retainingly engaged by the overlapping iiaps of said wrapper, an end portion of said wrapper opening member between said fracturing zones thereof being exposed from said closure flaps for grasping, said wrapper opening member being supported throughout by the Wrapped member.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,998,911 9/1961 Hahn 229-66 3,000,744 9/ 1961 Lingelbach 229-87 X FOREIGN PATENTS 929,1 15 6/ 1955 Germany.

20,241 1893 Great Britain.

GEORGE O. RALSTON, Primary Examiner.

20 FRANKLIN T. GARRETT, Examiner. 

1. THE COMBINATION OF A CARTON OF FORM-RETAINING PAPERBOARD STOCK HAVING OVERLAPPING CLOSURE FLAPS ON ONE END THEREOF HINGEDLY CONNECTED ITS WALLS, A WRAPPER OF FLEXIBLE FOLDABLE SHEET MATERIAL SUPPORTEDLY WRAPPED AROUND SAID CARTON WITH SAID CLOSURE FLAPS THEREOF IN CLOSED POSITION AND HAVING OVERLAPPING ADHESIVELY CONNECTED END FLAPS OVERLYING SAID END CLOSURE FLAPS OF SAID CARTON, AND A WRAPPER OPENING MEMBER OF FORM-RETAINING PAPERBOARD STOCK RETAININGLY DISPOSED BETWEEN SAID CLOSURE FLAPS OF SAID CARTON AND SAID CLOSURE FLAPS OF SAID WRAPPER AND DIMENSIONED TO BE FITTINGLY RETAINED THEREBETWEEN, SAID OPENING MEMBER HAVING CENTRALLY DISPOSED LATERALLY SPACED PARALLEL FRACTURING ZONES EXTENDING FROM END TO END THEREOF AND HAVING V-SHAPED NOTCHES IN ONE END, THE INNER ENDS OF THE NOTCHES BEING SUBSTANTIALLY ALIGNED WITH SAID FRACTURING ZONES, THE PORTION OF SAID OPENING MEMBER BETWEEN SAID NOTCHES CONSTITUTING A FINGERPIECE WHICH PROJECTS FROM THE SAID END FLAPS OF SAID WRAPPER FOR GRASPING BUT DOES NOT PROJECT OUTWARDLY FROM THE SIDE WALL OF THE CARTON, SAID WRAPPER HAVING AN END FLAP PORTION DISPOSED UNDER SAID OPENING MEMBER AT THE END THEREOF HAVING THE FINGERPIECE. 